New multi-million euro ‘Community Tourism Programme’ will back innovative local projects to boost community tourism that supports local families.
Airbnb is sharing new data that shows travel using Airbnb is expected to boost communities in Europe by an estimated 340 billion euros of economic output by 2020, and will support an estimated 1 million jobs across the region in 2020.
The announcement comes after Chris Lehane, Airbnb Global Head of Public Policy and Public Affairs, spoke at the OECD Forum last week on how travel using Airbnb can be a tool to help bridge social divides and boost benefits for communities.
“More people are staying with each other using Airbnb in Europe than anywhere else on earth,” said Lehane. “It is a healthy and sustainable form of tourism that ensures benefits stay right here in Europe and are enjoyed by many – not kept in the hands of a few.”
When guests travel using Airbnb, local hosts keep 97 percent of the accommodation charge and more than half of guest spending takes place in the communities where they stay – places local residents call home. The typical host on Airbnb in Europe made 2,400 euros by sharing their space for 27 nights last year.
The ‘Community Tourism Programme’
To help support the growth of healthy people-to-people tourism that benefits communities, Airbnb is today launching the ‘Community Tourism Programme’ with the aim of investing 5 million euros in projects that use innovation to help preserve and boost the best of local customs, traditions and landmarks that make communities unique.
The fund will be available to organisations – including charities, non-profit agencies and community social groups – in need of financial support for innovative local projects.
“We want to work with communities to help boost and preserve the qualities that make them unique,” added Lehane. “Airbnb has a long history of supporting progressive local initiatives that boost communities and bring people together, and we’re excited to continue that tradition here in Europe.”
Bringing communities together
New data shared today also highlights how travel on Airbnb is helping bring communities together and in 2020, an estimated 24 million stays between hosts and guests from different countries across Europe will take place using Airbnb.
“Communities are strongest when they are shared and people welcome each other,” continued Lehane. “In the face of growing political uncertainty, it’s important the world continues to come together.
“I firmly believe there is a special responsibility for platforms and technology companies to project the principles their communities hold dear. We see it as our duty and privilege to continue working with communities and leaders in Europe and across the world to help support local families, boost communities and use technology to help bring people together.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
